Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in a challenging opportunity to make a difference in underrepresented communities? The DTSC's Office of Criminal Investigations is hiring. Become part of a specialized team of Sworn Peace Officers dedicated to investigating the most egregious environmental violations for the protection of human health and the environment. Join us in making a difference. Apply today!

As an Investigator you will have the opportunity to:

• Investigate violations of the California Hazardous Waste Control Law by reviewing and  responding to complaints, tips and other information submitted to OCI that alleges illegal Hazardous Waste Activities in the State
• Use databases such as Accurint, Envirostor, local property records, CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System), California Secretary of State filings, California Department of Motor Vehicles records, DTSC’s Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HWTS), and California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) to  research site(s) of violation, responsible entities/parties, background data and compliance and enforcement history of suspects, suspect sites, and suspect entities
• Plan and determine best investigatory methods to be used to gather, analyze, and present evidence for a solid legal case that can substantiate the violation(s) occurred and/or is/are occurring such as, obtains hazardous waste samples for physical evidence from the site and documents the collected evidence, transport to a DTSC laboratory for testing and handles according to proper laboratory and law enforcement standards
• Write statements of probable cause and capably present facts to appropriate judicial officials for the purpose of obtaining search and arrest warrants
• Accurately transcribe and document witness and suspect verbal statements (including date, time, place, and contact information) to include in case support files
• Capture and preserve usable photographic/video/other evidence and organize and assemble photo logs of surveyed sites and activities, plus obtain photos/video from third parties, to include in case support files

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required. Must pass Spanish Fluency Examination
  
• Current POST peace officer desired
• Experience in digital forensics
• Previous law enforcement or investigative experiences

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
• Incumbents that DO NOT possess a valid Peace Officer Regular Basic or Specialized Investigator Basic Course POST certificate must attend and complete the academy during the first year of employment in order to pass probation.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here .

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

A hybrid schedule may be available for this position.

Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSC’s culture:

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Application Instructions

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended . If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the “Application Instructions” section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC# 518646 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application.

Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - Please fill out and attach the DTSC  Pre-Employment Questionnaire